A point-of-care creatinine test allows healthcare professionals to measure creatinine in whole blood, with compatible Abbott i-STAT cartridges providing results in approximately two minutes. For patients being assessed for chest pain, the i-STAT high-sensitivity Troponin I test provides results in approximately 15 minutes. Both tests can help clinicians access important information sooner when used alongside appropriate clinical assessments.
How Long Does a Creatinine Test Take in the Lab vs. at the Bedside?
For patients who have kidney conditions, blood testing is usually part of their treatment. Healthcare professionals use creatinine results to determine the function of the kidneys, detect changes, and recommend further treatment. However, acquiring the results sometimes takes longer, especially when the sample needs to go through a separate laboratory process.
Generally, blood samples are collected, labeled according to the requesting ward, and delivered to the central laboratory. There, laboratory professionals examine the specimens before they release the results to the requesting doctors. Although essential, the process may require more time if the laboratory is busy.
A point of care creatinine test is an option for healthcare professionals to conduct selected tests away from the central laboratory. Using the Abbott i-STAT Creatinine cartridge, for example, the actual testing only takes about two minutes. This does not include the time required to prepare the sample before the test begins. In general, bedside testing helps reduce the time spent transferring the blood sample from the ward to the laboratory.
Understanding Creatinine Test Turnaround Time
When examining the creatinine test turnaround time, it is important to note that the process involves multiple stages before the results are available for the doctor to review. For renal units, there are several reasons why the creatinine test may take longer to report. This includes the time spent transporting the specimen to the central laboratory, the analysis time, and the reporting delay.
By conducting bedside testing, healthcare facilities can reduce some of these delays, but the overall turnaround time still depends on their location and process. The primary purpose of point-of-care testing, however, is to help doctors get the results they need faster.
Why Is Point-of-Care Creatinine Testing Useful in Dialysis?
Patients who undergo dialysis typically require more laboratory tests to confirm their condition and ensure that the treatment is working correctly. One of the tests that dialysis units use to assess patients’ progress is the creatinine blood test. Creatinine is a by-product of muscle movement, and the waste product is normally removed by the kidneys. A rise in creatinine levels can therefore indicate that the kidneys are not working correctly.
In dialysis patients, however, creatinine levels may vary due to several factors, including the patient’s muscle mass, the amount of kidney function remaining, and the dialysis regimen. For these patients, measuring creatinine levels is not enough to determine their condition. Dialysis units that offer bedside testing can benefit from point-of-care testing to examine the patient’s creatinine levels with minimal delays.
What Are the Benefits of a Point-of-Care Creatinine Test for Renal Units?
For a renal unit, being able to acquire creatinine results faster can improve the efficiency of operations.
A point of care creatinine test helps eliminate the delays that come with transporting blood samples to the central laboratory for processing. Other advantages of bedside creatinine testing for renal units include the following:
Faster Creatinine Results: With the right cartridges, blood analyzers can provide quantitative results in approximately two minutes after testing begins.
Less Sample Transportation: Point-of-care testing reduces the time spent transporting blood samples to the central laboratory for testing and reporting.
Convenient Renal Examination: Doctors can assess the patient’s creatinine levels closer to the examination site.
Improved Operational Efficiency: Healthcare professionals can get the results they need in time to make an accurate assessment.
Flexible Creatinine Testing: A portable blood analyzer can be used in approved clinical settings with trained personnel.
These advantages apply to renal units that want to improve their current laboratory operations. However, it is also important to recognize that bedside testing is not a replacement for a comprehensive renal assessment. Other laboratory tests, specialist evaluations, confirmatory procedures, and quality controls remain necessary for proper patient care.
How Does the Abbott i-STAT Creatinine Test Work?
The Abbott i-STAT Blood Analyzer enables healthcare professionals to examine creatinine levels without sending the blood sample to the central laboratory. The handheld device uses a single-use cartridge and is operated by trained laboratory professionals near the patient. To use the i-STAT Creatinine cartridge, laboratory professionals first collect a whole-blood specimen and prepare the sample before inserting it into the handheld device.
Although the i-STAT Creatinine test is fast, proper preparation, storage, and quality control procedures should be followed to get consistent results. As in any laboratory setting, personnel must receive appropriate training to avoid errors during the testing process and ensure accurate results.
What Is High-Sensitivity Troponin I, and Why Does It Matter in Chest-Pain Assessment?
When a patient comes to the emergency department with suspected chest pain, healthcare professionals need to conduct various procedures to identify the underlying cause. One of the tests used in assessing patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction is the Troponin I test. Troponin I is a cardiac protein that is released into the bloodstream when there is damage to the heart muscle.
High sensitivity troponin rapid test detects even small increases in cardiac troponin levels. However, the test is not sufficient on its own since elevated levels can also be caused by chronic kidney disease and other conditions. In addition to the results of a Troponin I test, doctors also use the patient’s symptoms, ECG results, and medical records to determine the most probable cause of chest pain.
How Can a Troponin I Point-of-Care Test Support Emergency Chest-Pain Pathways?
When a patient comes to the emergency department with suspected chest pain, medical professionals need to perform a series of tests to determine whether the patient is experiencing an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The first step involves collecting patient history, examining the patient for symptoms, and reviewing the ECG results. A troponin I point of care test then helps the doctor identify whether the patient has elevated cardiac troponin levels. This is a sensitive test, and elevated levels can indicate that the patient may be experiencing an AMI.
Using a troponin I point of care test, healthcare professionals can examine cardiac troponin levels closer to the patient. These tests take approximately 15 minutes for the handheld blood analyzer to produce results. Point-of-care Troponin I testing can be useful for emergency departments that require faster results since the central laboratory can get backed up with other specimens. After receiving the test results, doctors can use their findings together with the ECG and patient history to make a final diagnosis.
What Should Hospitals Consider Before Introducing Bedside Creatinine and Troponin Testing?
Before purchasing an i-STAT blood analyzer, hospitals need to review their current laboratory processes and ensure that the new equipment will be a useful addition to their operations. Questions such as the following should be considered by hospital administrators:
Testing Needs: What are the different creatinine and cardiac troponin tests that the hospital needs?
Current Turnaround Times: What are the delays that the hospital currently experiences with central laboratory testing?
Cartridge Availability: What are the different compatible cartridges that are available for the i-STAT handheld blood analyzer at local suppliers?
Staff Readiness: Are there enough trained personnel to operate the new equipment?
Quality Assurance Procedures: Has the institution developed the quality assurance procedures or does it need external support to implement them?
Documentation and Reporting: How will the results of point-of-care testing be documented and integrated into the workflow?
Operating Procedures and Costs: Does the institution have the resources to ensure continuous operation of the new equipment?
By reviewing these questions, hospital administrators can determine if a portable blood analyzer is a good investment. It is also important to consult the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA Philippines) and the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that the hospital has the necessary guidelines in place.
For PhilHealth coverage and reimbursement, it may also be necessary to identify other factors that apply to the institution. This way, the hospital can make an informed decision before purchasing a new diagnostic device to support its operations.
How Can MEDTEK Help Philippine Hospitals Explore Point-of-Care Testing?
When considering what kind of blood analyzer to purchase, hospitals have to weigh the importance of a fast test against the overall needs of their operations. MEDTEK (Medical Trends and Technologies) is a company that provides diagnostic solutions to healthcare facilities in the Philippines.
Hospitals can look at the services and products that MEDTEK offers to better understand if a point-of-care testing system is a good fit for their needs. Before purchasing a new diagnostic device, healthcare institutions must consider the availability of supply, cartridge needs, and equipment compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bedside Creatinine and Troponin Testing
What is a point-of-care creatinine test?
Creatinine point-of-care tests measure the levels of creatinine in the blood, and the results can be used to determine the function of the kidneys. These tests are conducted away from the central laboratory and usually require trained personnel to operate.
How quickly can Abbott i-STAT provide creatinine results?
Abbott i-STAT Creatinine cartridges provide quantitative results in approximately two minutes after the testing has started. The overall time required for the test, however, depends on the preparations made before the test begins.
Is bedside creatinine testing useful for dialysis patients?
Yes, hospitals that serve dialysis patients can benefit from a point-of-care creatinine test that allows them to acquire results faster. It should also be noted that dialysis units still require other laboratory tests, in addition to a thorough medical examination, before making a final determination.
What is high-sensitivity Troponin I testing used for?
The high sensitivity troponin rapid test examines the level of cardiac troponin I, which is a protein that is released into the bloodstream when there is damage to the heart muscles. The test is used as an aid in diagnosing myocardial infarction. It should also be noted that doctors also use serial troponin testing, patient history, ECG results, and other clinical findings before making a final determination.
Can one point-of-care troponin result rule out a heart attack?
Not necessarily, since a single troponin result, regardless of whether it is a qualitative or quantitative rapid test, is not enough to determine if the patient is experiencing an acute myocardial infarction. Doctors may decide to take additional blood samples, review the ECG results, and consult the patient’s medical history to make an accurate assessment.
Bring Timely Testing Closer to Renal and Emergency Care
Waiting for blood test results can take valuable time, especially for patients undergoing kidney assessments or being evaluated for chest pain. Bedside testing helps healthcare teams get selected results sooner without sending every sample to the central laboratory.
With compatible Abbott i-STAT cartridges, hospitals can perform creatinine and troponin testing closer to patients.
Want to explore bedside testing for your hospital? Visit https://medtek.com.ph/ to inquire about a FREE Creatinine Workflow Demo, subject to availability and confirmation.
Required Clinical Disclaimer
Intended as an aid in diagnosing myocardial infarction. Results must be interpreted with symptoms, ECG findings, clinical history, and serial results. For licensed and trained healthcare professionals only.
Product availability, analyzer compatibility, local regulatory authorization, and cartridge-specific instructions should be confirmed before clinical implementation.